As a gay MP, I support PM's equal rights assurance.



Veteran Southport journalist Martin Hovden writes: Damien Moore, the newly-elected openly-gay MP Conservative for Southport, has today welcomed an assurance from Prime Minster Theresa May that any government arrangement with the DUP will not affect LGBTI rights.

The pledge came after a meeting between the PM and gay Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson.

Miss Davidson, who plans to marry her partner in the near future, was concerned because the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) opposes same-sex marriage and it is illegal in Northern Ireland.

Thirty-seven-year-old Mr Moore, who last Thursday took the Southport seat from the Liberal Democrats, pushing them into third place, said: “I am pleased Ruth Davidson was given an assurance from Mrs May that gay rights would not be eroded in return for DUP support.

“Ruth was told by the PM that any deal between the Conservatives and the DUP would see absolutely no rescission of LGBTI rights in the rest of the UK.”

Mr Moore, who has quit his job as a manager with supermarket giants ASDA to concentrate on his new parliamentary career, said his sexuality had not been an issue in the campaign.

“I would never deny being gay if asked, but I never flaunt it. The issue was not raised either in this campaign or the one in 2015. In fact I was never asked.”

Mr Moore has already started house-hunting in the town and is busy setting up a new constituency office and appointing staff. He said he intends to quit as a Preston councillor in the near future.

Please tell me WHY he has revealed it now!

Shouldn't we just judge him on his performance in his new role as MP and not on anything else?

I, personally, don't need such personal details.

Totally agree. May have an issue with the DUP though

Originally Posted by pedoja

Please tell me WHY he has revealed it now!

Shouldn't we just judge him on his performance in his new role as MP and not on anything else?

I, personally, don't need such personal details.

I hope he is not going to be referred to as Southport's gay MP.

Just let him do his job... go to be better than the last pillock

Originally Posted by pedoja

Please tell me WHY he has revealed it now!

Shouldn't we just judge him on his performance in his new role as MP and not on anything else?

I, personally, don't need such personal details.

Agreed. What a sad sign for society when such things are even mentioned. It should be no more a consideration than someone being left or right handed.

However, when our government is getting into bed with homophobic, anti-choice, creationist climate change deniers, I can understand why he sought such assurances. Though I'm more bothered about this being against the Good Friday Agreement. Could kick off all manner of throwbacks to an age we should be past by now. Not that the whole unholy alliance will last long, if it gets going in the first place.

Originally Posted by pedoja

Please tell me WHY he has revealed it now!

Shouldn't we just judge him on his performance in his new role as MP and not on anything else?

I, personally, don't need such personal details.

I can't understand it at all. If I get a job I don't say "Oh by the way I am heterosexual" it is nobody's business who he invites into his bedroom so why tell us. He could have a white rhino in there for all I care (male or female) I don't want to know.

Conspiracy Theory #1

He didn't mention he was gay before the election, in case it put off potential voters


Conspiracy Theory #2

???????????????????

Who cares what his sexuality is , I just want my MP to represent Southport. I don't need or want these details .

True, his sexuality is his business, but if letting us all know he is gay helps local, young, gay people in some way, then it can only be a good thing. I know many young gay people who are afraid to tell their own parents of their sexuality - so I am glad he has told us he is gay for them.

Who cares?

Or does he want to be treated different because he's gay?

Just do your bloody job man.

I agree with your post, but having a Rhino of either sex, in the bedroom for sexual purposes, is a criminal offence !!

Originally Posted by sherlock

I agree with your post, but having a Rhino of either sex, in the bedroom for sexual purposes, is a criminal offence !!

Having a what?

Had this been a majority government I doubt his sexuality would have come up, however as we are likely to have a coalition government with the DUP a party outspoken of gay matters then his sexuality does have some relevance.

He is a gay man in a high profile position seeking assurances on LGBTI rights and publicly sharing this puts those people who could be directly affected at ease knowing that whatever deal is brokered these rights will be protected.

Which Rhinos are the most Horny, the Grey or the White and are the Males Hornier than the Females?

I was more concerned he wasn't from Southport.

Young Gay people will feel further isolated by announcements such as these, a persons sexuality is or should be a none event not a media briefing release.